State Rep. Scott Pelath addresses the Indiana House in this Indiana Democratic Party photo.

Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, announced Nov. 19, 2017, that he will not seek an 11th 2-year term as 9th District state representative in 2018. He has also stepped down as Democratic minority leader, effective immediately.

Pelath told House Democrats in an email that his decision is based in part on his desire to spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Laura, recently welcomed a baby boy named Leo.

“Immediately after the past election, I confided to many of you that I was not going to do this forever. And after several months of repressed doubts, soul-searching, and discussions with my family, that time has come — as it does for most of us,” Pelath said in the email. “I have always viewed the position of leader as pure service, not one of grandiosity or ambition.”

Pelath will finish his current term as state representative.

He was first elected to represent the 9th District in 1998. He made a mark in the Legislature as a procedural expert guiding the flow of legislation, and through his service on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he was instrumental in overseeing funding for countless state priorities.

In 2012, he was elected House Democratic Leader by his colleagues.

His legislative highlights include passage of the Great Lakes Water Use Compact, which helps protect the water in every state and Canadian province that borders the Great Lakes.

During the past session, Pelath was instrumental in passage of legislation designed to enhance economic opportunities along the South Shore Line in Northwest Indiana.

He works as a human resources director at the Swanson Center in Michigan City.

In addition to his son, Pelath has two daughters, Israel and Isabella, and a stepson named Enzo.

Pelath received a Bachelor of Science degree in public affairs from Indiana University in 1992 and served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer from 1992 to 1997.

He served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a graduate of the Indiana University ROTC program and the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, Ky. He is a member of the American Legion.

Listen to an audio clip of Pelath addressing the media Nov. 20 by clicking on this link:

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/11/21/state-rep-pelath-explains-his-reasons-for-declining-to-run-again/feed/0Opinion: Time for both taxpayers and county officeholders to make things righthttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/09/26/opinion-time-for-both-taxpayers-and-county-officeholders-to-make-things-right/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/09/26/opinion-time-for-both-taxpayers-and-county-officeholders-to-make-things-right/#commentsWed, 27 Sep 2017 02:09:37 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=82165Once again tax sale season is upon the taxpayers of LaPorte County. Published in the Herald-Argus recently was a listing of properties being put up for sale by the County Commissioners. These properties are being auctioned off because the owner is behind in his/her taxes (rent to our elected public servants). They’re a full 8 pages, five columns wide. Yes, 8 full pages of people who could not pay their taxes in order to feed a bloated government that is out of control with spending, hiring, and regulations.

Two things come to mind when reading this list. One is that a number of the parcels have been sold over a year ago and, speaking with the new owners, they were shocked to find out that the properties are listed. They are now pulling up their closing documents and are finding that, indeed, the taxes are current. When contacting the closing companies and the local public servants, they are told, “Oh, I guess we made a mistake.” This is unacceptable. There is no excuse for this considering the number of servants these offices have on the taxpayers payroll.

The second that jumps out is the sheer number of parcels. Just like the previous sales have had. Maybe it is time the elected public servants consider the fact that the taxes are too high in our county. Every time there is an election, we hear that if elected they will help to change how our government is run and they will lower our taxes. In my observation the number of public servants steadily increases and it is the same old thing. Our government does not reform or, for that matter, shrink.

I do not know about others, but for the most part I and others I have talked to have not seen much relief, if any, in the amount of taxes we pay. This is not entirely the fault of the public servants who work for the taxpayer. They are just doing a job. The blame falls squarely on the “elected” public servants and department heads who are not held accountable by us, the taxpayers. We as taxpayers are to blame for a portion of this also, by our electing the same people and parties election after election. Maybe the tax rate and the people we elect also have something to do with our county unable to attract new businesses?

If something is not done soon we will be in the same shape as Illinois residents who can no longer enjoy the fruits of their hard work because of the tax burden being placed upon them by their elected public servants. It is true that we must pay some taxes for services that we as citizens require. We all need police protection, we all need some form of fire services and emergency first responders in case of accidents. We also need infrastructure to get from our homes to work and to conduct business. But some of the offices can be shrunk and, in some instances, eliminated, combined with others, privatized, or shared with surrounding counties.

In the coming elections of 2018 beginning with the May primaries and concluding with the general election in November, we will have the choice of either sucking it up and figuring out what we will have to do without having to pay an ever-growing government, or we can make changes that will help provide a better life and future for not only us but for our children and grandchildren. So please, when you step into the booth next time, take a moment to look at the candidate and what they stand for, not just the party affiliation behind their name. The Parties have failed us. If we have learned anything in our lives, it should be that there are alternatives available.

The parties, be they local, state or federal, no longer stand for what they once did in our parents’ time. You can be a Democrat and own a business and fight for smaller government and less regulation. Just as you can be a Republican and belong to a union and hold a blue-collar job. The time has come for major reforms in how our government functions. These reforms, needed for years, have become necessary now. It will be very difficult and painful to accomplish this. If we had elected people with guts in the past, it would not be so difficult now.

I have run for County Council twice and lost; no big deal. I have learned a lot by the losses and will use the knowledge to try and make our county better. You cannot win without first losing a time or two. One thing I did learn is how much money changes hands and the dishonesty (in my opinion) that exists. Those who have never been involved in government do not, or refuse to understand, that it is happening. So please take the time to look at new candidates for office. We already know what the status quo has given us. If they do not do what we elect them to do, then we have the chance to vote them out until they learn that as elected public servants they are elected to serve the public, not the parties.

Mark Krentz is sworn in as mayor by LaPorte Clerk-Treasurer Teresa Ludlow after the caucus election.

Krentz addresses the crowd moments after he was named as mayor.

WNLP story and photos by Beth Boardman

It took five rounds of voting by a caucus of 20 GOP precinct committeepeople, but in the end Mark Krentz became LaPorte’s new mayor Friday evening, Aug. 11, 2017.

On her last day as mayor, Blair Milo casts a ballot to elect her successor. Milo voted as a GOP precinct committee member.

The caucus eliminated seven other candidates ballot by ballot until Krentz emerged as the victor.

“I’m a LaPortean through and through,” Krentz told the crowd before the voting began. “I will provide inspirational, communicative, conclusive leadership.”

Krentz will finish the two remaining years left in former LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo’s 2nd term. Milo was one of the precinct committeepeople who voted Krentz in at the LaPorte County Complex during the caucus. She also gave the opening prayer.

Milo, who served one full four-year term as mayor as well as half of her second term, resigned to assume the new post of secretary of career connections and talent in Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Cabinet. Her final day as mayor was Friday.

Krentz, a LaPorte native and longtime local business owner of the former Thanhardt-Burger art company, has most recently served as talent attraction coordinator of the

Krentz hugs LaPorte County Clerk Kathy Chroback, who attended the caucus in her official capacity to oversee signing of the documents and apply the county seal. While Chroback is a Democrat, she chose Republican Krentz to serve on the city Board of Works when she was LaPorte mayor.

Greater LaPorte Economic Development Corporation. He has also been serving on the LaPorte Board of Public Works and Safety during Milo’s administration. He’s been involved in many community activities and served on various local boards over the years, including the hospital board. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University and completed the Executive Management Certificate Program at the University of Notre Dame. At the chamber, Krentz has focused his effort on the Business Retention and Expansion Program and the Business and Education Partnership.

Mark’s father, the late Carl Krentz, served as LaPorte mayor from 1996-2000.

Caucus votes

The atmosphere was upbeat and orderly at the caucus, which drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 people. Prior to the caucus votes, each candidate gave brief remarks. One of the most memorable moments was provided by candidate Obertein’s 7-year-old son, who introduced his father to the crowd, enthusiastically declaring “My dad is the best!”

It’s official.

A simple majority was needed to choose a new mayor and that took a while. In each vote, the candidate who received the fewest votes was eliminated and then another vote took place.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/14/after-5-separate-votes-gop-caucus-elects-mark-krentz-as-laportes-new-mayor/feed/6Final tally: 8 candidates seeking to finish Milo’s term in Aug. 11 GOP caucushttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/08/final-tally-8-candidates-seeking-to-finish-milos-term-in-aug-11-gop-caucus/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/08/final-tally-8-candidates-seeking-to-finish-milos-term-in-aug-11-gop-caucus/#commentsTue, 08 Aug 2017 22:59:30 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=81200(EDITOR’S NOTE: While candidate Paul Boardman is a cousin of WNLP’s editor, she is not affiliated with his campaign in any way, shape or form.)

With the filing deadline having passed at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, the final tally of candidates seeking to finish LaPorte Blair Milo’s term is eight (in alphabetical order):

Paul Boardman

Spencer England

Roger Galloway

Mark Krentz

Leigh Morris

Thomas Obertein

Geoff Sellers

Tim Stabosz

“The future of LaPorte and the LaPorte County Republican Party is bright. I think so many candidates have raised their hands because of the track record of strong leadership Mayor Milo leaves and the bright path our community is on,” LaPorte County GOP Chairman Nick Barbknecht said in a press release.

The GOP caucus of 20 precinct committeemen eligible to vote on the new mayor will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday at LaPorte County Complex Meeting Room 3, 809 State St., LaPorte.

Barbknecht explained the vote process: “A candidate needs a simple majority to win outright. Should no candidate secure a simple majority, we proceed to additional ballots, dropping the lowest vote-getter from each ballot until we have a candidate who has secured a majority of voting committeemen.

“While 20 precincts comprise the city limits of LaPorte, only those precinct committeemen properly credentialed in attendance at the caucus or with an eligible vice-committeeman serving as a proxy are permitted to vote,” Barbknecht said.

Milo is resigning to become the first-ever secretary of career connections and talent in Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration. She starts in her new role on Aug. 14.

For additional information on the caucus, including statements issued by some of the candidates, click on the following WNLP story link:

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/08/final-tally-8-candidates-seeking-to-finish-milos-term-in-aug-11-gop-caucus/feed/3(UPDATED AUG. 6) GOP caucus to choose Milo’s successor is Aug. 11http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/06/former-mayor-morris-is-in-the-running-to-succeed-milo/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2017/08/06/former-mayor-morris-is-in-the-running-to-succeed-milo/#commentsSun, 06 Aug 2017 15:35:00 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=81015EDITOR’S NOTE: Two more people have filed to be considered at the caucus: Tom Obertein and Paul Stepanek Boardman. Below are portions of a statement Boardman submitted to WNLP. (Disclaimer: While he is a cousin of WNLP’s editor, Beth Boardman, she is not affiliated with his campaign in any way, shape or form.)

Paul Stepanek Boardman

Paul Stepanek Boardman has joined the list of candidates seeking to finish Blair Milo’s term as mayor.

“I am old school, but it works. I will deliver the difference,” he stated on his web page.

“I was shocked to see the eligible (LaPorte County GOP Party) voters in the upcoming mayoral caucus Friday, Aug. 11. Among the now-26 eligible voters are four Milos and two Morrises. Amazing, the blatancy and arrogance. This is astounding. I left my position as a precinct captain in the event the mayoral seat became open to be able to drive an agenda good for LaPorte..LaPorteans deserve better. Aug. 2, I formally asked Governor Holcomb to appoint state-level representatives from the GOP and voter registration to oversee this election professionally.

“A clear, goal oriented agenda needs to be set and a strong team put in place to move LaPorte’s quality of life forward,” he said. “We cannot allow the remainder of outgoing Mayor Blair Milo’s term to be a coronation occupied by a placeholder missing incredible opportunities for our town.”

Boardman states as his priorities quality jobs and high educational standards. “If elected, our team will be working to garner $450 million in capital for the City of LaPorte’s projects.”

His biography on his web page (www.boardyformayor.com) states that he has coached youth baseball in LaPorte for the last five years, started Indiana Manufacturing Inc. in LaPorte in 2001, and has led several projects, including initiating “Light up the Fields,” “Save 1008 Michigan Avenue,” and “Game On,” an effort to build a northwest Indiana sports arena slated to bring hundreds of jobs.

———-

UPDATE AUG. 3: Former city councilman Geoff Sellers has also filed as a candidate.

———–

UPDATE: City Councilman Tim Stabosz released this letter he issued to the GOP committeemen Aug. 2:

“Fellow Precinct Committeemen:

Stabosz

“After much thought and deliberation, I have decided to enter my name as a candidate for mayor of the City of LaPorte in the upcoming caucus on August 11. Having the opportunity to serve in this way would be a culmination of my longstanding love affair with LaPorte.

“As you know, I currently serve on the city council, and have been one of its more active and engaged members. My program is simple: LaPorte needs to be a ‘quality of life destination’ unlike any other in the Michiana area, and even the greater Chicago metroplex. It needs to fully leverage its strengths as the ‘City of lakes,’ with an incomparable park system and a historic charm that all bespeak warm and welcoming. LaPorte must market itself to bedroom community types, to tourists, to entrepreneurs, to the artistic and technological class — and to all manner of outside investors — in order to attract economic development. By putting our best foot forward and making the city as attractive, desirable and ‘livable’ as possible, LaPorte will be focusing on what it CAN and SHOULD do, in order to finally grow a city that has been stagnant at 22,000 in population for the last 50+ years.

“With a background in business, finance, financial management, accounting, and auditing, I have spent most of my adult life as a professional investor. I understand the concept of ‘return on investment’ very well, and I know that when the city looks at spending money, it must focus on projects that will generate a return that will be justified to the taxpayer. My success as an investor is founded not just in the rigorous analysis involved in seeking out high returns, but also in being thrifty and prudent, and looking to protect and preserve capital. These are qualities that are very important to have in a mayor … especially a mayor who will be overseeing a ‘centerpiece’ development like NewPorte Landing.

“I believe that my financial and business experience, combined with a deep-seated passion for city planning, zoning, beautification, and related aspects involving quality of life, are exactly the qualities LaPorte needs in a mayor. I am a good listener, and care what people think. I will look for the input and ideas of others so that we can truly make this a place for us all.

“We all wish Mayor Blair Milo the very best in her exciting next journey, serving in the governor’s cabinet. I am most proud of our work together to have the political courage to finally create a long-term plan that will bring our roads up to a level we can all be proud of, and that will no longer hinder our economic development. There is further investment to be done, but it needs to be done wisely, with a steady and sober hand. I humbly ask you to put me at the helm of the city to oversee, guide, and direct that investment, as I honestly believe I am the best candidate for that job.

“With great respect,

Tim Stabosz, LaPorte City Councilman At Large”

—————

UPDATE AUG. 2: Press release from LaPorte County GOP:

“The LaPorte County Republican Party will hold a caucus of 20 eligible precinct committeemen on August 11 at 5:30 p.m. Central at LaPorte County Complex Meeting Room No. 3, 809 State St., LaPorte.

“This caucus will be to elect the best candidate to fill the upcoming vacancy by the resignation of Mayor Blair Milo, who will share her

Galloway

talents with the rest of Indiana in service as Governor Eric Holcomb’s Secretary of Career Connections & Talent.

“While 20 precincts comprise the city limits of LaPorte, only those precinct committeemen properly credentiale

Krentz

d in attendance at the caucus or with an eligible Vice-Committeeman serving as a proxy are permitted to vote.

“Candidates must file their candidacy with the County Chairman at least 72 hours prior to the caucus. Additional procedures in Indiana Law and the rules of the Indiana Republican State Committee are the responsibility of the candidate to research and fulfill.

“On July 31 letters were mailed to eligible precinct committeemen and vice-committeemen notifying them of the call of the caucus.

“‘We are excited and proud for our party and our Mayor! Blair Milo will serve our state well and our LaPorte County Republican Party is stronger than ever before. We will caucus with serious consideration to select our next Mayor of LaPorte. The next Mayor should be ready to hit the ground running and carry on the progress Mayor Milo gave us to even greater heights in the years to come, and I am certain the person we select among our quality candidates stepping forward will offer that.’ – Chairman Nick Barbknecht

“Indiana’s first secretary of career connections and talent, Blair Milo, begins in her new role Aug. 14.”

—————-

UPDATE: Mark Krentz and Roger Galloway have also thrown their names into the hat. Krentz is a member of the LaPorte Board of Public Works and Safety and Galloway is a LaPorte City Council member.

—————-

EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is a statement issued by former LaPorte Mayor Leigh Morris, who announced Monday, July 31, 2017, that he is seeking to replace Mayor Blair Milo. Milo announced last week that she’s leaving the post in August, partway through her 2nd term, to take a job in Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Cabinet. A GOP caucus, not yet scheduled, will be held to name Milo’s successor to fulfill the remainder of her term. Morris served as mayor from 2004-08.

I have decided to seek the opportunity to be selected as the next mayor. Here’s the message I’ve shared with some of my political colleagues:

Leigh Morris

Under Mayor Milo’s leadership, the City of La Porte has been moving forward in many ways. As I look at the challenges before us when she leaves the position, I think it is particularly important that the person who replaces her as mayor is prepared to not only maintain the positive momentum, but pursue new opportunities as well. There are several people who have indicated interest in the position, but I believe I am best equipped to do the job. Here’s why:
1. Effectiveness. I’m a high-energy, hard worker who has done the job before and would hit the ground running.
2. Experience. I’m a recognized leader who has headed major organizations and knows how to get things done working with others.
3. Community Focus. I am 100% committed to this community and will do all I can to assure it reaches its potential as a great place to live, work and do business.
4. Relationships: I’ve held leadership positions in state government and key regional organizations and know how to advocate effectively for our community.
If I’m given the opportunity to serve, I will be attentive to all aspects of city government, but I will focus major emphasis on four key priority areas:
Public Safety. Making certain that our law enforcement and code enforcement are as effective as they can be and are addressing the issues that make LaPorte a safer, more attractive community.
Economic Development. Providing leadership to assure that LaPorte attracts new industrial, commercial and retail jobs.
NewPorte Landing. Working with the Redevelopment Commission and others to make certain that NewPorte Landing has the greatest positive impact on community vitality, not just a bunch of unrelated buildings.
Participation. Reaching out to the community, providing an open-door approach that invites participation by City Council and other components of city government in decision making, but also seeking citizen input and involvement.
The caucus is not yet scheduled, but I expect it to be the end of next week. In the meantime, I’d welcome questions or dialogue!
— Leigh Morris, LaPorte

Indiana Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb has named LaPorte Mayor Blair Milo to his 16-member transition board. Republican Holcomb, who will succeed U.S. Vice President-elect Mike Pence as governor, defeated Democrat John Gregg in the Nov. 8 election.

Holcomb announced members of his “Next Level Indiana” board on Nov. 9. Another LaPorte native is also on the board — former Indiana Secretary of State Ed Simcox.

“I’m honored to serve alongside this esteemed group of dedicated public servants to assist Governor-Elect Holcomb and Lt. Governor-elect Crouch,” Milo said. “I’m excited to bring the problem-solving approach our LaPorte team uses to the Transition Team in order to help serve LaPorteans and Hoosiers across the state in setting the tone for taking Indiana to the Next Level!”

Simcox

Milo said the board will spend the next of couple months helping lay plans for the transition of state government.

“As I said on Election Night, I want to build a team of people who care about Hoosiers, people who demand excellence and people who serve others above all else, and I know this is just the group to get the job done,” Holcomb said in announcing the board.

Milo’s biography in Holcomb’s press release: “Blair Milo is in her second term as mayor of LaPorte. Having been elected at the age of 28, she is the youngest female mayor in the state. Prior to becoming mayor, Blair served in the U.S. Navy conducting multiple tours in the Arabian Gulf

Holcomb

aboard the USS Mason and Destroyer Squadron 50 before finishing her active service at the Pentagon. She continues to hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves.”

Simcox’s biography in Holcomb’s release: “Ed Simcox is currently the president emeritus of the Indiana Energy Association after having served as president of the association from 1986-2010. He served eight years as Indiana’s Secretary of State as well as in numerous other political positions for officials including Governor Ed Whitcomb, Senator Dick Lugar and Senator Dan Coats.”

The other members of Holcomb’s team are: Earl Goode (co-chair), a former utility company president who served as chief of staff to Gov. Mitch Daniels for six years; Kyle Hupfer (co-chair), former director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under Daniels; Allison Barber, chancellor of WGU Indiana and former military/veterans issues appointee under George W. Bush; Brian Bauer, chief executive officer of Lutheran Health Network hospital system; Brian Burdick, partner at the Indianapolis office of Barnes & Thornburg, LLP; Anne Hathaway, president of Hathaway Strategies, which provides government affairs, grassroots strategy and management and public relations support to organizations; Rebecca Holwerda, Northwest Regional Director for U.S. Senator Dan Coats; Jeff Knight, executive vice president and chief legal counsel for Old National Bank; Jim Morris, vice chairman of Pacers Sports and Entertainment; Jamey Noel, sheriff of Clark County and former Indiana State Police Assistant District Commander; Becky Skillman, former Lt. Governor alongside Governor Mitch Daniels; Jamal Smith, former executive director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission; Susana Suarez, elected and appointed official with more than 20 years of experience in federal, state and local government; Rudy Yakym III, senior vice president at Bradley Company real estate firm.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2016/11/12/mayor-milo-named-to-gov-elect-holcombs-transition-team/feed/9Some serious, some flippant: 603 LP County voters wrote in their own presidential candidateshttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2016/11/09/some-serious-some-flippant-603-lp-county-voters-wrote-in-their-own-presidential-candidates/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2016/11/09/some-serious-some-flippant-603-lp-county-voters-wrote-in-their-own-presidential-candidates/#commentsThu, 10 Nov 2016 04:46:44 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=75234

Six hundred and three LaPorte County voters chose to write in candidates for U.S. president rather than vote for one of those on the ballot. Let’s take a look at some of those 603 alternate choices, provided by the LaPorte County Clerk’s Office:

Whether it was the recent ado involving his sideswiping a parked vehicle or other influences, incumbent Dave Decker (D) lost to Rich Mrozinski (R) in the 2nd District LaPorte County Commission race Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Pressel

Other notable local results:

— Jim Pressel (R) defeated Karen Biernacki (D) in the LaPorte County vote for 20th District state representative. Pressel won district-wide as well to assume that office vacated by LaPortean Tom Dermody.

Sullivan

— Democrats seized the three open LaPorte County Council At-Large seats: incumbents Jeff Santana and Lois Sosinski, and outgoing county coroner John Sullivan.

— Former State Sen. Jim Arnold, and incumbents Marie Gilliland and Rhonda

Arnold

Spence, will be at-large members on the LaPorte School Board.

— Former two-term LaPorte Mayor Kathy Chroback (D) returns to the political realm as she defeated Republican Deborah Vance in the race for LaPorte County clerk.

— While Todd Young (R) defeated Evan Bayh (D) statewide for U.S. senator, Bayh won in LaPorte County, 22,398 to 19,727 votes. And while Eric Holcomb (R) defeated John Gregg (D) to become Indiana’s next governor, Gregg gathered more votes than Holcomb in LaPorte County, 24,135 to 18,459.

According to final tallies from the LaPorte County Clerk’s Office, 46,369 voters cast ballots at the polls, by early voting and by absentee voting. The total number of registered voters in the county is 83,826.

And if you’re curious about straight-party ballots cast Nov. 8 in the county, here are the numbers:

— Democratic Party, 8,263

— Republican Party, 6,115

— Libertarian Party, 75.

]]>http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2016/11/09/an-astounding-55-32-voted-in-laporte-county/feed/1Local citizen urges voters to choose candidates based on ideas and character, not party affiliationhttp://whatsnewlaporte.com/2016/11/06/local-citizen-urges-voters-to-choose-candidates-based-on-ideas-and-character-not-party-affiliation/
http://whatsnewlaporte.com/2016/11/06/local-citizen-urges-voters-to-choose-candidates-based-on-ideas-and-character-not-party-affiliation/#respondSun, 06 Nov 2016 22:17:20 +0000http://whatsnewlaporte.com/?p=75127To the voters of LaPorte County:

As we head into the end of what seems like a never-ending election cycle, we should look at some things that will shape what we pass on to the next generation. I am concerned about what seems to be the same old status quo. I am going to, in my opinion, give my take on four distinct generations in our nation.

First we have “The Greatest Generation,” basically my generation’s grandparents. They went through the Great Depression and were then asked to set aside their differences in life and head off to war to save the world. They then came home, took off their combat boots and helmets, picked up their lunch pails and briefcases and set out to build this nation into the greatest nation on earth. They also produced the next generation, “The Baby Boomers.”

This generation, basically our parents, then took the ball and ran with it, helping to carry on what their parents started. Both of these generations helped pass along certain qualities to the next generation, these being strong moral values and work ethics. They also taught us the value of service to our country whether it be in the military or public service and volunteering to help others. They also instilled in us a love of the right to vote. They all passed on their beliefs of “this party did this for us” or “the other party will do nothing for us.” Sad thing about that is no matter how good their intentions were, we still have only two choices, primarily. This is in no way to blame anyone. Which brings me to our generation.

My generation, primarily those of us who are between 40 and 60 years old, have now, or are in the process of beginning, to take the torch and carry it forward. We are now instilling these same passions and love for country in our children, just as did our parents. Sad thing is that the thinking of only the Democratic or the Republican ideas are the only way to think has left us a nation with problems. An infrastructure in ruins that will take trillions of dollars and decades to repair, little yet build new. We have abandoned factories and brownfields across our nation. The hearts of our major cities are war zones that resembles more of the Third World we see on TV news. A segment of our population dependent on government assistance, and an overtaxed population trying desperately to hold on to what they have.

Maybe it is time to look at an alternative method as we vote this fall. Instead of looking at the letter to the right of the candidate’s name, try looking at the person running. Find out who they are, what they stand for, why they are running and what they will be trying to do. Blindly following in the steps of the previous generations has shown us that it is not working. This is no disrespect to them. Maybe trying something new will help the next generation I will speak of.

The next generation to pick up the torch and take this nation forward is beginning to do so now. This generation is known as “The Millennials.” We owe it to them to give them something better than civil strife, unsafe roads and bridges and a burned-out urban environment, and no jobs.

So this election cycle, please look more at the person running and not the letter. With all the negativity being set forth, look at the accomplishments of the people running. Do your homework; ask questions like who is really behind the candidate and what is his/her purpose in supporting them. To continually raise taxes to spend on failed programs of the past is clearly not working.

Good luck to all who choose to seek public service. Remember, our choices today will affect the lives of our children and grandchildren.